The Archbishop of Glasgow is to assume temporary leadership of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh following the resignation of Cardinal Keith O'Brien.
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia will be Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese until a successor for the cardinal can be found.
Cardinal O'Brien resigned this week after the Observer reported allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards three priests and a former priest.
The appointment of his temporary replacement was made by Pope Benedict XVI a day before his resignation from the papacy.
Archbishop Tartaglia will not be involved in any Vatican investigation into the allegations made against Cardinal O'Brien.
In a statement, the Archbishop said: "These are painful and distressing times for the Archdiocese, I also feel pained and distressed.
"With the grace of God, I will do my very best to oversee and govern the Archdiocese until the appointment of a new Archbishop. I ask for your prayers."
